The Mumbai Police have written a letter to the Maharashtra government and to the Union Department of Telecommunications (DoT) expressing reservations over the roll out of the 4G service without putting in adequate safeguards in place.

The police have shown concern over misuse of 4G services by criminals, specifically the underworld and terrorist organisations.

In a letter written in November, the police expressed its reservations to the roll out unless the companies incorporate a system in place that would enable the police to listen in or track the user.

"While Telecom companies have begun rolling out 4G services, the parameters for regulation have not been fixed," said a top Mumbai police official, on the condition of anonymity. "Currently, the 4G network could be misused by underworld elements and terrorists; we want the service providers to provide in built systems to ensure that our work in catching criminals is not hampered."

In the letter, the police have listed the measures that the Telecom companies should be required to install in their systems to address policing concerns.

"We have asked that until these steps are not incorporated, then the state as well as the DoT shouldn't permit 4G service in the state." said the police officer, adding, "With the advent of 4G we believe a substantial number of people would be communicating through WhatsApp, Skype and other over the top (OTT) services." The police official refused to disclose the safeguards that the letter mentioned.